Browsing by Author "Darshana, W. D."

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    Assessment of current public sanitation status and demand calculation to enhance public sanitation facilities in an urban town: A study from Kegalle,Sri Lanka
    (2018) Bellanthudawa, B. K. A.; Wijesinghe, L.; Darshana, W. D.; Jayasooriya, J. M. S. N.; Sundarapperuma, S. R. Y. S. S.B.; Nawalage, N. M. S. K.; Senanayake, R.; Thotagodawaththa, T. M. C. D. B.
    Urban sanitation demands prior consideration in a developing city with tourists’ destinations. As Kegalle town attracts many local and foreign visitors, it is vital to maintain proper quality sanitation. Therefore, the present study focused on the assessment of status and demand calculation of public sanitation in Kegalle township as a baseline. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted using random sampling technique to assess current sanitation status and public view, while direct interviews of key informants and focus group discussions with public health section of Kegalle Urban Council (UC) were conducted to evaluate the demand analysis for improvement of public sanitation. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel 2013 software to compare the responses in graphical presentations. Five major public toilets were examined under the authority of Kegalle UC. According to the total respondents (n=115) interviewed, (56.6%) were regular users and the rest were using public toilets rarely or not using. Among the users 59.3% were men while 40.7% were women. 94% of respondents stated that uncleanliness, bad odor and low safety as the main issues associated with public toilets, while (6%) stated no reasons for refusing the public toilets. Majority (86.9%) showed that, they are unsatisfied with criteria like existing uncleanliness in cleaning process, water supply in toilets, proximity and security in available public toilets in Kegalle town area. 60.2% stated that, the existing public toilet complexes do not meet the standards with poor or very poor sanitation quality. 81.4% responded that the available toilets are insufficient. 71.4 % clearly mentioned that there is a necessity for the construction of new public toilet complexes close to the bus stops and common shopping market in Kegalle town. As the sanitation preferences, 50% ensured that their preference is on squatting pans over commodes (43.9%) and other modes. In the demand calculation, a total of 175,200 users were recorded per year and 480 average number of users per day, which conclusively revealed a demanding need for a new latrine complex to enhance and ensure the sanitation facilities in Kegalle town. Uncleanliness raised due to improper solid waste management practices, bad odor, insufficiency in water supply, insecurity and charges were the main issues associated with present toilets in Kegalle area. Additionally, installation of CCTV cameras for the safety, intense cleaning at peak hours and awareness on proper sanitary and hygiene practices through a display were proposed.
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    Identification and evaluation of current socio-economic conditions for improvement of water supply and sanitation in rural areas in tropical regions;A study from Sri Lanka
    (Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Bellanthudawa, B. K. A.; Wijesinghe, L.; Darshana, W. D.; Jayasooriya, J. M. S. N.; Sundarapperuma, S. R. Y. S. S. B.; Kumara, S. D. K. S.; Nawalage, N. M. S. K.; Samaradiwakara, T. C. B.
    Empowering the water supply and sanitation is a concern in Sri Lanka.Thus, present study was carried out on Anhettigama area in Deraniyagala Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) in Kegalle District to identify the socio-economic status in the study area for implementing a water supply and sanitation improvement project and identify crucial issues to implement water supply. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted for households (n=50) for assessing the social-demographic and economic background of the community through random sampling technique in project impact area. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel 2013 software to compare the responses in graphical presentations. Majority (92%) indicated that their livelihood pattern as mixed economic. 86% of the families were headed by males whereas 14% families were headed by females in the project area. Project impact area was composed of 83% Sinhalese and 17% Tamil families. In terms of water consumption patterns, 34% of houses used existing “Suhada” water supply scheme and 66% fulfilled their water requirement from private protected and unprotected wells located within their premises. Surface well water usage was 32%, which was not safe unless subjected to disinfection before drinking. 72% of the respondents mentioned that water was insufficient during dry seasons, which may reduce the water quality as well. Majority of the respondents (92%) mentioned that they were not satisfied with their present water supply scheme. Since current drinking water has not undergone any treatment method, 96% people used domestic purification methods such as artificial filtering and boiling. About 84.9% of the households had proper sanitation facilities while 9.2% of the people did not have toilets. Out of these 84.9%, 50% accounted for water sealed toilets with cistern and 34.9% accounted for water sealed toilets without cistern. Since the current water supply was insufficient, 97% people were willing to pay a monthly water bill. 16% of households received the government food subsidy of Samurdhi given for households living below the official poverty line with regards to economy. 35% of the people were involved in professions in the private sector, 26% in agriculture, 12% were government employees while unemployed population was 5%. In conclusion, there is a necessity and high demand for pipe borne water, sanitation and economic development. Incorporation of a water supply and sanitation improvement project is a sustainable solution.